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February 28, 2006

Best Threat Off The Bench For Torre

In "Joe's Run," who was the best threat off the bench for the Yankees?

Tim Raines in 1996?
Shane Spencer in 1998?
Darryl Strawberry in 1999?
Glenallen Hill in 2000?

How about the "non-ring" years?

Mike Stanley or Mark Whiten in 1997?
Enrique Wilson in 2001?
John Vander Wal in 2002?
Karim Garcia in 2003?
Tony Clark in 2004?
Bubba Crosby or Ruben Sierra in 2005?

Who will it be in 2006? Andy Phillips?

It seems that the Yankees need a strong bat on the bench to win it all, no?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:42 PM | Comments (5)

Yankees Geek Speak

Geek of All Trades has a fun write-up on "Yankees milestones to watch for" this year. It's worth checking out!

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:09 PM | Comments (0)

S.I. Strolls Down Stein Lane

This collection is too funny for words. My fav:

"I just won you the pennant" to manager Lou Piniella after trading for left-hander Steve Trout in July 1987

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:12 PM | Comments (3)

Yes, It Was...

....PHD today:

Philip Hughes, New York's 2004 first-round draft pick, had two perfect innings, including one strikeout, against minor leaguers.

"He's a no-miss,'' Yankees catcher Jorge Posada said. "He will be in the major leagues soon. I won't be surprised if I see him before the year is over.''

via the AP.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:10 PM | Comments (0)

Tampa Not Fan Friendly

From The Record -

Spring training is supposed to be a time for fans to bond with the players, especially before the preseason games begin. There's no admission charge to watch the leisurely workouts, and it's probably a kid's best chance to score an autograph.

So why was a security guard speeding along both sides of the field on a motorized scooter Monday, ordering kids to move their feet from the top of the dugout? Wait, it wasn't just feet that were forbidden. Even the baseball that one toddler was hoping to get signed was ordered moved.

Why the hassle, we wondered?

Maybe it was the lousy weather -- 72 and cloudless. Maybe the crackdown was ordered by George Steinbrenner, who wasn't even on the field. Or maybe it was just the badge. Nothing like a guy on a power trip to ruin a fan's day.

This is the 3rd report, in the last month or so, where I've heard that the Yankees complex in Tampa is not fan friendly - at all. The first two came from individuals who have gone there, and shared how bad it was, and how much better/easier/more fun it was in the Blue Jays and Phillies camps.

What a shame that it has to be this way in Tampa.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:14 AM | Comments (6)

Today Is Philip Hughes Day

From the AP -

Mike Mussina, who might pitch the second game of the regular season, is scheduled to face 2004 first-round draft pick Philip Hughes in the intrasquad game. Non-roster invitee Scott Erickson is also slated to pitch.

Celebrate with your head, not over it.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:51 AM | Comments (0)

February 27, 2006

Bernie: 2004-05 Yanks Character Lacking

From the LA Times:

Williams has seen them all, and they gather in his head like the patches of gray in his beard, the image of other men celebrating the annual elimination of the Yankees. They were Diamondbacks, Marlins, Angels, even Red Sox.

The cause, he implied, was too fluid to cover with money, too devious to repair in batting practice: The Yankees came to believe championships came with the uniform.

"I'm going to be completely honest with you," he said on a recent dank morning at Legends Field. "I think that this year marks the beginning of a slightly different attitude about this club. We were on somewhat of a downfall as far as playing with a killer instinct."

After their appearance in the 2003 World Series, won by the Marlins, the team character shifted, Williams said. It was subtle, so much so as to be unrecognizable in the moment. It all looked like a couple of fat sliders, a fluke four-game losing streak, a sore shoulder or two. But two more seasons and then a winter spent considering his future with the Yankees — and in baseball — brought him somewhat closer to the truth, as he saw it.

"The team was sort of taking for granted we were going to be there every year," he said.

Told Williams had these doubts about the last couple of seasons, in particular, Derek Jeter turned and said, "Who said that?"

Torre said he likes what's happening here, the reshaping of the Yankees, the enthusiasm brought by two new coaches, Larry Bowa and Tony Pena. ("Just offsets my stoic demeanor," he said, laughing.) They bring different voices, different energy, something fresh.

He wouldn't disagree with Williams' observation, he said, calling it an entirely human reaction to sustained achievement.

Thanks Bernie. It's good to hear this being said.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:58 AM | Comments (7)

Is Seven Enough?

Warning, seven weeks ago, I got a new assignment at work. And, along with that, I've developed a nasty case of Boomtown Rats-itis. So, this just might be the Monday Morning Crank in me speaking - and I'm sure that the windchill of 7 this AM doesn't help - but, here goes.

Lately, when I think of the 2006 Yankees, I see:

Suspect pitching, below average defense, and a weak bench.

And, I wonder, is seven very good hitters enough to offset all that?

I'm not so sure these days.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:08 AM | Comments (9)

The Brian King On Pavano

From the Star Ledger -

Cashman, however, leaped to Pavano's defense. Cashman cited Pavano's eight strong innings for the Florida Marlins against the Yankees in Game 4 of the 2003 World Series and Pavano's first game as a Yankee, when he held the Boston Red Sox to two runs in 6 1/3 innings.

"You guys (the media) talk about being intimidated by New York," Cashman said. "He's not intimidated by New York. He just was hurt. That's it. As simple as that. And if he's not hurt he'll be a very important pitcher to us. It's just as simple as that.

"He gets a hall pass for last year because of injury. And all the other stuff is just crap, to be honest. It has no relevance. If he's healthy, he's going to be good."

I wonder what Jaret Wright thinks when he sees all this "stuff"?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:49 AM | Comments (9)

February 26, 2006

Plan B May Be An F?

Just reading about Gary Sheffield's back flare-up today, I began to wonder - What if something terrible happens to the Yankees this spring, and, either Matsui or Sheffield gets knocked out for most of the season?

Right now, I'm guessing that the Yankees are hoping that both Matsui and Sheffield can play in 155 games each this year - and that means that Bernie Williams gets about 375 ABs as a sometimes-DH and other-times back-up OF. Related, then Andy Phillips gets about 275 ABs this year - and Bubba Crosby chips in about 100 ABs.

But, if either Sheff or Godzilla go down for the year, before the season starts, then Bernie Williams probably gets 485 ABs instead of 375 ABs. And, related, Andy Phillips probably jumbs from 275 to 450 ABs. Also, Bubba Crosby goes from 100 to 350 ABs.

Think about that - you're losing a full year of ABs from either Sheffield or Matsui and replacing it with 110 ABs from a tired Bernie Williams, 175 ABs from Andy Phillips facing pitchers he should probably sit against, and about 250 ABs more from light-batting Bubba Crosby.

Granted, over the last three years, Matsui and Sheffield have been iron men of sorts. I hope they can do it again this year. Plan B is not looking to sweet to me right now - if they cannot answer the bell everyday.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:26 PM | Comments (2)

Reading Between The Lines With Torre

Torre on Pavano, from the YES Network -

"I'm not banking on him Opening Day," Torre said.

And, Torre on Leiter, from MSG -

Torre has been impressed with left-hander Al Leiter, who opted not to retire during the offseason and is in camp as a non-roster player.

"What I've seen so far, I like him," Torre said. "When you look at it, there's no room. But if somebody makes a case, you've got to figure something out. That's the way I look at it."

Remember what I said two weeks ago:

Why am I beginning to think that Al Leiter is going to be in the Yankees rotation this April?

Now, I'm really starting to think it.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:06 PM | Comments (6)

The Fielding Bible by John Dewan

FYI, you might enjoy the review of The Fielding Bible that I just did for NetShrine.com. Click here to read it.

It was a very good book. From a Yankees fan angle, I found the following quick hits interesting:

* The 2005 Yankees team outfield play was by far the worst in the major leagues.

* The Yankees keystone combination last year of Robinson Cano and Derek Jeter, and the Rangers duo of Alfonso Soriano and Michael Young, were the worst in the majors - with the leather.

* From 2003 through 2005, base runners have taken advantage of Carlos Beltran's throwing arm more often than Johnny Damon's arm - and this was especially true in 2005.

* Last year, no third baseman in baseball was worse at fielding bunts than Alex Rodriguez.

I expect to be sharing more data from this book in the coming weeks.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:46 AM | Comments (2)

Cards New Park Packs Them In

From the AP:

With a month and a half to go before the baseball season, more than 3 million tickets have been sold or committed for 2006 games at the new Busch Stadium, St. Louis Cardinals president Mark Lamping said Friday.

In fact, demand is so great that the team on Friday cut off further sales of season tickets after selling 27,500 - which translates to nearly 2.3 million tickets at the season's 81 games.

Combine that with 300,000 in group ticket sales, 117,000 sales of four-game packages, 86,000 tickets for party rooms and picnic areas, 120,000 for team obligations such as players' wives and other friends of the organization, and 170,000 giveaway tickets for military personnel, clergy and amateur baseball coaches, and a bit more than 3 million tickets are spoken for.

Read it and learn. This is exactly what it's going to like with the "new" Yankee Stadium. Actually, I expect the last year of the current Stadium to be like this as well. Yankees tickets will be like gold in the near future.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:25 AM | Comments (1)

February 25, 2006

Green Eggs & Jorge

Being Jorge Posada is no longer just all about boxing pitches.

"Georgie" is now an author of children's books too.

There's a picture of Posada on the back cover of the book, at age 7, with his father - and they're both wearing baseball uniforms. The shot of his dad (then) is exactly how Jorge looks now - if you saw just the picture of the father you would swear it was a current photo of #20. Clone-scary stuff.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:36 PM | Comments (0)

Sheffield Quotes

From the New York Times:

"On one side, I trust you, but don't play me," Sheffield said during his diatribe. "You know what I mean? I don't care what it is. I don't care if it's the Boss. I don't care if it's him. Don't play me."

About 90 minutes after Sheffield challenged the Yankees to eliminate the 2007 option now and spoke of playing elsewhere, he switched his personality from combative to calm. During that hour and a half, Sheffield met with Cashman for about 30 minutes. That conversation apparently reassured him of his status.

"I'll be fine tomorrow," Sheffield said. "I'm just venting."

On his contract, Sheffield said: "Just like I said, tear up the whole contract. Send me somewhere else. It doesn't matter. I'm sick of it."

On Cashman: "I trust him, but I don't trust him totally. I don't trust no one totally."

On Yankees who have long-term contracts: "Just like all those other guys feel comfortable here, I want to feel comfortable, too. Why do I always have to have my back against the wall and prove something to everybody?"

On his future with the Yankees: "You got to think about, 'Do I still want to keep putting up with this every year, or go play someplace where it's simpler?' Now I have to go make that choice. Since you can't appreciate what I do, maybe somebody else will."

On the possibility that the Yankees are hesitating to exercise the contract option because he might be injured: "You sign players for 10 years and what if they get hurt? One year. With what I've done? What I've done? What I've done?"

On whether he or the Yankees have the upper hand in the contract situation: "It's always in my hands. Trust me. I know how to get out of anything."

After all those comments, Sheffield's final thought was: "I'm cool with the Yankees."

Can Sheff vacillate, or what?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:02 AM | Comments (2)

February 24, 2006

Better Than Picking From A Hat?

According to David Pinto's awesome Baseball Musings Lineup Analysis tool, the Yankees best 2006 line-up would be:

1. Giambi
2. Sheffield
3. Jeter
4. A-Rod
5. Matsui
6. Cano
7. Posada
8. Williams
9. Damon

Great timing, as I'm previewing a copy of "The Book" by Tom Tango, Mitchel Lichtman, and Andrew Dolphin - in which their findings say that your three best hitters should bat somewhere in the #1, #2, and #4 slots. And your 4th and 5th best hitters should bat in the #3 and #5 slots.

It all seems to synch up.

But, I'll say this, Jessica Simpson has a better shot at making Mensa than Jason Giambi does of ever batting lead-off for the Yankees.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:18 PM | Comments (5)

Spalding's World Tour: The Epic Adventure that Took Baseball Around the Globe - And Made It America's Game

Spalding's World Tour, by Mark Lamster, will be released this coming April.

In a nutshell, it's the story of Albert Spalding's brainchild of bringing his team, the then Chicago White Stockings, and another team of All-Stars, on an exhibition trip to promote baseball throughout the western United States and in Hawaii, Australia, Egypt, Italy, France, England, and Ireland - during the period from October 1888 through March 1889.

I've had the privilege of reading a review copy of the book and can share that it is a book that it both educational and entertaining.

With this book, Mark Lamster is not just a writer telling a story. More so, he is an artist painting a picture. When you read this book, you are not just processing words for meaning in your brain - instead, because of Lamster's gifted presentation, the events of the story come to life, in the form of moving pictures, in your mind and you truly feel as if you are a fly on the wall while everything is happening.

And, while the main theme of the book is an interesting story, there are so many other fascinating stories within the story, that Spalding's World Tour is a "nesting doll" of a good time.

Anyone who wants to learn more about 19th Century baseball, or just life in America and abroad (in general) during this time, would be well served to read this book.

I feel smarter having read it - and recommend it to anyone baseball fan looking for a good book to read this summer.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:39 PM | Comments (0)

Tony DeMarco: Yanks Short Armed

From NBCSports.com -

So it should have surprised nobody that general manager Brian Cashman made upgrading the staff one of his top priorities in the off-season. But at this point, you can only conclude that Cashman didn’t succeed as well as he did in filling needs at leadoff and in center field by signing Johnny Damon.

One of more unlikely occurrences in the 2005 season was the combination of Small and Shawn Chacon going 17-3 with a 3.02 ERA in 21 starts and 29 games down the stretch after toiling anonymously in Columbus and Colorado, respectively, in the first half. That’s not likely to happen again.

What? Scott Erickson and Darrell Rasner won't go 17-3 in 2006?!?

Bummer.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:22 PM | Comments (1)

Bowa On Base Running

From the Courant -

In fact, the Yankees' coaching staff has been completely made over. Third base coach Larry Bowa, a fiery personality, is coaching base runners.

"I watched his clinic on base runners and it was very impressive," Torre said. "Very common-sense talk."

As in "Always make a left-hand turn when running the bases and not a right-handed one"?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:58 AM | Comments (7)

February 23, 2006

Dr. K Will See You Now

From Newsday:

The Yankees liked the idea of having an experienced bullpen coach to help Ron Guidry's transition as a first-year pitching coach, and Kerrigan has stints on his resume as the manager and pitching coach of the Red Sox and pitching coach of the Expos and Phillies.

Although Kerrigan worked with Johnson many years ago, he said whatever he notices about Johnson this season he will relay to Guidry instead of directly to Johnson. And Johnson said he will rely on Kerrigan for scouting reports rather than pitching tips.

"What he is really good at is scouting the opponent, knowing the strengths and the weaknesses of the opponent," Johnson said. "Last year people went to him for what was going on with the teams we were playing. We will have that insight again this year."

The Yankees also thought highly of Kerrigan's scouting reports. Manager Joe Torre said he has known Kerrigan to be "thorough" and said he was impressed with his reports. "I got a taste of what he did as far as information and being prepared," he said.

Instead of focusing simply on scouting the opposing team's lineup, Kerrigan said he devised a system where he produced reports that took into account the strengths and weaknesses of the Yankees' starter. The strategy to attack each hitter was right there.

"Not everyone can pitch the same, obviously, so you try to give options for that particular pitcher's strengths," Kerrigan said. "You're telling them the hitter's weakness, but if you don't have that as a strength, it's not to your benefit to attack that weakness."

Yeah, but, can he teach the sinker?

OK, joking aside, this report is the best news that I've heard coming out of camp so far this year. I'm actually excited - and cannot wait to see the impact of Dr. K over the course of the whole season.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:06 PM | Comments (1)

Larry Dobrow's Wacky Letter To A-Rod

It can be found in this link.

Strange.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:23 PM | Comments (9)

Book It Dano

From Hot Sauce Sports -

Sportsbook.com is predicting that the New York Yankees will lead the major league in wins and put the Bronx Bombers at 2-1 favorites to win the American League Pennant.

The St. Louis Cardinals and Boston Red Sox are predicted to tally the second and third most wins, respectively. The Cardinals are 5-1 favorites to win the NL crown.

Lead the majors in wins? With all the question marks in the starting rotation? I think they're just trying to get suckers to bet on the Yankees. I mean, really, come on.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:19 PM | Comments (2)

YES Network: Extras For Dish Users

From Media Week:

The YES Netwok announced it is going interactive starting July, offering fans a well of exclusive stats, scores, games and extra features as part of a partnership with DirecTV.

Subscribers of the digital broadcast satellite service who reside in the network’s footprint--encompassing the metropolitan New York area, as well as sections of Conn., N.J. and Penn.--can boost their viewing experience by accessing the above interactive features, as well as bonus “StarCam” footage that zeros in on a particular Yankee player each inning.

The deal, which goes into effect after this season’s All-Star Break, makes YES the first regional sports network to offer single-screen interactive content.

“Yankees fans are among the most passionate and most knowledgeable fans, and watching the Yankees on YES is often a shared experience,” said YES COO Ray Hopkins. “Through this partnership with DirecTV, we’ll give fans a more customized, personalized telecast, one in which they can interact with fellow fans.”

And, for those watching on cable, like me, well, you get bupkis.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:22 AM | Comments (4)

February 22, 2006

Melts In Your Mouth, Not In Your Hands

Watch out for the green ones Big Stein, they'll make you Randy, and I'm not talking Johnson.

Well, at least not that Johnson.

You know, I just now realized that "Randy" "Johnson" and "Big" "Unit" make perfect sense.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:55 PM | Comments (3)

The Dress Is In The Bag

From The Boss:

George Steinbrenner is predicting the New York Yankees' five-year World Series drought will end this October.

"We're going to win it this year," the Yankees owner said Wednesday. "We're going after it."

Well, what else is he supposed to say?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:43 PM | Comments (1)

Tino's Butt Cam

Is ESPN going to have one of them installed on the Baseball Tonight set?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:07 PM | Comments (1)

2, 8, and 9

According to Brian Gunn's All-Time All-Franchise All-Star Team, the Yankees are the kings at catcher, center and right.

Sorta falls right into play with the gut of Yankees retired uniform numbers.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:00 PM | Comments (1)

Good Luck In Philly!

Tom Gordon, on the media in New York, via the Daily News:

"I don't want to hear about you guys missing me," Gordon said. "That's a lot of --- after all the abuse I took from you. You guys wanted Farnsworth? You got him!"

"There was a headline," Gordon said. "'Not so Terrific Tom' and it prompted all kinds of abuse. I've been called everything in this game. I've even heard (N-word) a couple of times, too. Then, after that headline, I was in the city with my kids and this fan comes up to me and says: 'You're worthless!' How would you like to be told that? In front of your kids!

"No player deserves that. But, if nothing else, it made me stronger."

"I'll always be impressed with how that organization operates, seeing how those guys come together the way they do in New York," Gordon said. "When it's time to play, they play hard. That's why I thought it was unfair how the media treated me after we lost (to the Red Sox in the '04 ALCS). It could have been handled differently.

"Yeah, we lost, but for my kids to have to listen to that....I had to carry that with me. There were 24 other guys out there. I don't think it was all me. I gave that team everything I had."

Hey, Flash, do you know that you moved to the "boo" capital of the world? You better get your kids some ear plugs.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:46 AM | Comments (6)

February 21, 2006

Yankees Not Waiting To Extend Sheff?

Interesting. I guess this means that Giambi plays a lot of 1B in 2007 too. Unless they want Sheffield in RF, at his age, next year.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:47 PM | Comments (2)

The Power Within The Demonstration Of Greatness

In case you missed it, I had a book released last year. The reviews were good - and that was awesome. I think I did a pretty good job for a first time book author. Well, most of the time, that is, I feel that way.

I recently had the pleasure of reading a review copy of Sam Walker's Fantasyland and am presently reading a review copy of Mark Lamster's Spalding's World Tour, and, I must confess, when I first read what Sam and Mark have written, my gut reaction is "My God, I suck. I can't go toe-to-toe with these guys, it's the Harlem Globetrotters against the Washington Generals. These guys are incredible."

OK, while Walker and Lamster do have great gifts for writing, maybe I am being a little hard on myself....which I have a tendency to do.....ala' Paul O'Neill (I suppose).

Maybe I'm not the Babe Ruth of baseball authors, but, I have some unique skills that I bring to the table. There are some things that I can do well that lend towards a good reading experience. Maybe I'm the Graig Nettles of baseball authors? No shame there, right?

But, still, if I were forced to match-up one-on-one with a true gift-from-god writing talent, at this stage in my writing career, it's a mismatch - and I know it, without needing much time to realize it.

As I was thinking this tonight, I thought back to the 1998 Yankees. When people played that Yankees team - and to some extent the 1999 team as well - they knew coming into each series that they could not compete with New York. The talent gap was too much to bridge. It was over before it started.

The Yankees have lost that edge over the last four or five years (thereabouts). Heck, just ask the 2005 Tampa Bay Devil Rays if they sweat playing the Yankees last season.

For the Yankees to get that edge back, and be a true champion, they need to get out of the gate in a hurry this season.

Coming into this season, I was of the mindset that the Yankees needed to win 15-16 games per month to win the East. Now, instead of winning 31-ish games by June 1st, I'm thinking that the Yankees need to have 36 wins (or more) by the end of May.

It seems like a small bump - but, the winning percentage difference is huge. And, it will give the Yankees that mental edge again. Wouldn't that be nice?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:12 PM | Comments (2)

Manny & Sox Pass The Dutchie

Hey, it's a joint statement:

Weird.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:00 PM | Comments (1)

Who's On First?

Bernie?

From the Record -

Bernie Williams said he's committed to playing for Puerto Rico, and expects manager Jose Oquendo will use him at the corner outfield spots with the Mets' Carlos Beltran in center.

Manager Joe Torre wants Williams to work at the corner positions, and Williams said he "wouldn't be surprised" if Torre asked him to work at first base this spring.

Why do I have a feeling that this will never get past infield practice?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:08 PM | Comments (6)

A-Rod's Lament

From the Herald Record -

"My whole life is about getting crushed," A-Rod said with an out-of-place grin, "and that crushing becomes very inspiring. So I have a lot of inspiration in my life."

"(The shots at me) will never end, never," he went on to say. "Maybe when I retire. But who knows, maybe on my way out the door they'll kick me, too."

"People don't like me, I guess," he said. "But ... well, maybe not everybody. Some people like me. The thing is, I understand who my friends and who my enemies are.

"But you can't get caught up too much (in the opinions of people who dislike you). I know that I have the support and respect of my teammates, coaches, and manager, and that's the most important thing to me."

He put his head down for a second, collecting thoughts that must've been festering for the last four months, thoughts obviously dying to be expelled.

"(The 10-year, $252 million contract) is a big part of it," he said. "I knew that going in. I accepted that. I enjoy the responsibility that the contract brings. I never ran from that. My best five years have been since I signed that contract, and I'm proud of that.

"I know that because of that unique contract that if I'm not on the top of my game every day, I'm going to get ripped. And I kinda enjoy that. I'm kind of a sick guy that way."

He was asked if he if ever felt like firing back at his critics.

"No, no," he said. "When I'm in that box and I have that bat in my hand, that's how I get to fire back. I let that do all my talking and shut everybody up."

This is an interesting study. Compare A-Rod to Barry Bonds - and note the different way that Bonds "handles" his fame-focus-burden. Perhaps the answer is: Whether you act like a jerk, or not, you're going to take heat when you're the highest paid, etc.

It will probably be another 20 years before someone makes $25 mill a year. So, A-Rod better get used to it. He will be the target as long as he plays. It's sad, in many ways.

Then again, I'm eating a homemade peanutbutter sandwich for lunch today to save money. So, it's not too sad for Alex - he can always go out and get a really nice lunch today to cheer himself up.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:20 AM | Comments (8)

February 20, 2006

Put Me In Coach, I'm Ready To Play

Watch out Johnny Damon!

Here's my son, from this past Saturday, getting ready for Spring Training. We were practicing "catch" in the house - is there a better game to play in your PJ's when it's 20-something degrees out on a Saturday morning? - and he decided that Daddy's glove was better than the smaller ones that I bought for his sister and him last summer. Note: He's just 22 months old.

Look for him in the Yankees line-up sometime around 2024 (if drafted by New York) - or 2030 (if he has to opt for Free Agency to get into a Yankees uniform).

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:47 PM | Comments (3)

Chacon Graduates

Mr. McGuire: I just want to say one word to you - just one word.
Benjamin Braddock: Yes sir.
Mr. McGuire: Are you listening?
Benjamin Braddock: Yes I am.
Mr. McGuire: 'Plastics.'
Benjamin Braddock: Exactly how do you mean?
Mr. McGuire: There's a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?
Benjamin Braddock: Yes I will.
Mr. McGuire: Shh! Enough said. That's a deal.

From Newsday -

Of course Shawn Chacon kept mementoes of his first year with the Yankees, stuff such as lineup cards, baseballs and teammates' autographs. But perhaps what he'll remember most from the season he says "saved" his career is the sight of plastic.

Chacon smiled as he explained why, as if he were reliving the memory in his head.

After the Yankees clinched their eighth straight AL East title by defeating the Red Sox at Fenway Park on the last Saturday of the regular season, Chacon walked through the tunnel from the field to the clubhouse and saw tons of plastic covering every locker, a scene he had been privy to only on television.

"You come off the field and plastic is the first thing you see, and you know what that symbolizes," he said. "That means you're going to be popping champagne."

I hope he gets some more this year.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:26 PM | Comments (0)

Ortiz/A-Rod Will Not Die

From Rich Tenorio of the Daily Item -

The snow still lies on the ground, and the winter air still envelops pedestrians. But in convenience stores and gas stations and restaurants, the subject has shifted from football to baseball, and the inevitable question dangles like springtime mist: Who has the better team, the Boston Red Sox or the New York Yankees?

For the third straight year, the answer is the same: The Red Sox have the superior model, because their biggest star, David Ortiz, can perform more dependably in the clutch than the Yankees' top performer, Alex Rodriguez.

Recall the 2004 playoffs. Manny Ramirez became the first Red Sox player to earn World Series MVP honors, but all three playoff series were a Papi picnic. His blast off Jarrod Washburn won the American League Division Series. He won back-to-back extra-inning games against the Yankees. And he batted .308 in the World Series. A-Rod? He hit .118 as his team dropped the final four games of the American League Championship Series.

What that year's postseason proved was that not all stars shine in October. There is a long and honorable list of major-league luminaries, from Ted Williams to Alex Rodriguez, who never delivered when the games truly counted. This is less a criticism of their abilities than an acknowledgement that the playoffs are a harsh stage, as difficult to get through as the Pulitzer Prize committee or the Screen Actors Guild judges.

And yet there is a smaller list of players, with somewhat less lustrous statistics, who may not know how to win an MVP award but who do know how to come through with Mariano Rivera on the mound and their team trailing by a run in the bottom of the ninth. The Red Sox have one of these players, and the Yankees don't. That's cause for optimism as spring weather beckons.

I said it 4 months ago, but it still stands:

...what Rodriguez needs - just one post-season series where he is the man. You can live off that. Make it a World Series, and it's even better.

Then the "Rich Tenorio" types in the world will have to work harder for decent copy.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:43 AM | Comments (1)

Hang Ten, Not Sliders

From the Times Herald-Record -

Cool sighting: Sitting by the right of Randy Johnson's locker was a psychedelically colored skateboard with the crisscrossing words "Dog Town" designed into its underside. As it turns out, according to a couple of longtime clubhouse guys, it is indeed Johnson's. Which makes for some wild images, picturing this goofy-looking 6-foot-10 guy careening around town on the thing. The reality, however, is probably a lot less exciting: With all of Johnson's talk about wanting to find his "center of gravity" on the mound, he likely uses it as a balancing tool.

Just Gr8.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:37 AM | Comments (0)

Personal Thoughts Coming Into This Season

Don't get me wrong, I'm excited about the upcoming baseball season. I'm always excited about the baseball season. And, as a Yankees fan, I'm excited to know that soon I can watch Yankees games, etc.

A Yankees game is perhaps one of the most comfortable back-drops in everyday life for me. There are so many good feelings that I link up to it. The span from November to March, without having that (almost daily) visit from a "friend," seems more like a year than 5 months.

But, I'm not excited about the Yankees chances to win the World Series this year. I expect them to do well - and win more often than they lose - and have many, many, thrilling moments this season. But, it's not the same feeling as most of the recent years - where I thought "OK, this team should win a ring this year."

From 1997 through 2001, each Spring, I thought the Yankees would win the World Series that year. Starting in 2002, through last year, I was not sure about it. But, this season, I'm 99% convinced that the Yankees need something like a dozen things to go right in order for them to be the last team in baseball this year to win a game. And, what are the odds of that?

After the World Series of 2001, the ALDS of 2002, the World Series of 2003, the ALCS of 2004, and the ALDS of 2005, and seeing bad things happen because of short-comings in the Yankees game, I guess I'm starting to get conditioned - in a way.

Maybe that's good? Now, if they do win, it will be as pleasant as that ring in 1996? Things always do seem to taste better when you're starving.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:00 AM | Comments (3)

February 19, 2006

Curt "Harvey Dent" Schilling Strikes Again

From the AP:

Curt Schilling's ankle is in good shape and so are his rebuttal skills.

The recovering ace of the Boston Red Sox faced a tough season on the mound and an unflattering magazine article in the offseason. Now he's healthy and ready to throw his first bullpen session Sunday during the first official workout for pitchers and catchers.

"For the first time since April 2004, there really is no physical limit to getting ready for me," he said, "so that's a big difference and I'm excited about that."

He wasn't so thrilled about a recent article in GQ that listed the 10 most hated athletes in sports based on interviews with their peers. Schilling was No. 4, in part because of his love for the spotlight.
"Refresh my memory," he said when asked about the article. "Oh, oh, yeah. I was actually talking to my wife about that because I thought maybe she had some input on the article."

Turning serious, Schilling spoke about Pedro Gomez, a reporter quoted in the article who had covered the pitcher when he played for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

"You just kind of have to realize that there are people that don't like you and, unfortunately, sometimes those people have a voice," Schilling said. "Disliking me probably matches my dislike for him (Gomez), but I have a problem with people who don't have integrity and principle so that stuff happens. You just kind of just let it go."

You just kind of have to realize that there are people that don't like you and, unfortunately, sometimes those people have a voice....

Hmmmm...wasn't it about this time last year when Schilling was using his "voice" to bash A-Rod every chance that he got?

Curt loves to dish the diss - but, when it comes his way, you see his feet of clay.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:11 PM | Comments (0)

If Don Zimmer Was A Light Bulb....

........it seems that it takes four new coaches to screw in a replacement: Pena, Bowa, Gator and Kerrigan.

From the Journal News -

Most major-league managers fill their coaching staffs with old drinking buddies, golf partners and maybe a few younger guys who can throw batting practice.

In a business where job security is fleeting, it is customary to surround yourself with people who aren't threats. Let the ambitious find a job at somebody else's expense.

Then there is Joe Torre, a man so confident in his status that he added four former managers to his staff this season.

Third-base coach Larry Bowa, bullpen coach Joe Kerrigan, bench coach Lee Mazzilli and first-base coach Tony Pena all have major-league managerial experience. With the exception of Kerrigan, all hope to manage again.

"They say you don't invite the wolf into the henhouse," Pena said. "But Joe isn't afraid of the wolf or anything else. He knows who he is."

Cashman said he and Torre agreed on all of the moves.

"It's great when you have a manager secure enough to want the best people," Cashman said. "He knows that even if somebody wants to take him out, they can't do it."

I think it's going to work. Let Torre deal with the media and be the buffer between Stein and the team. Let Bowa, Pena and Kerrigan run the games - which I think is what Zimmer did when he was here.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:50 AM | Comments (10)

The Lion Still Roars

From the Post -

Hey, Ozzie! Zip it.

That was the message George Steinbrenner (left) sent World Champion White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen yesterday.

Earlier this week, Guillen said in Sports Illustrated that Alex Rodriguez was a hypocrite when ARod said he had a tough time deciding to play for the United States or the Dominican Republic in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Yesterday, Guillen apologized to A-Rod in print. But that didn't stop The Boss from getting on Guillen.

"Shut it up," Steinbrenner said as he made a motion to zip his mouth. "I like Ozzie Guillen as a manager but I don't like him when he pops off like that. That's [horse spit]."

Big Stein as Dr. Evil?

Zip it, ex zip it a, zippy longstockings, zip it, zip it good, zuckle on my zipple, zip it...

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:41 AM | Comments (0)

February 18, 2006

Mel Stottlemyre & Aaron Small

From the New York Times:

In the first week of spring training, Small gripped a ball along the seams that frame the sweet spot. That, he explained, was how he used to throw a sinker. Last spring, the pitching coach Mel Stottlemyre suggested that he move his fingers up a bit, so only the right one rested on a seam.

The effect was astounding. If Small made a mistake, the ball would sink a little. If he didn't, the ball would sink a lot, darting away from a left-handed hitter. It was a revelation, and the Yankees liked what they saw.

Go figure.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:26 PM | Comments (7)

Come Back To Me

From the Record, for the record:

Joe Torre is planning to take it easy with hard throwers Kyle Farnsworth and Tanyon Sturtze this year, using them each for one inning if possible.

Torre said he "overused" Sturtze, who is on a more gradual throwing program. Sturtze suffered from biceps tendinitis late last season, but Torre believes he'll be able to start the year on time. "We're just going slower with him."

Mariano Rivera could throw off a mound for the first time today, and he's also on a gradual program. Octavio Dotel, returning from Tommy John surgery, is throwing off flat ground and is not expected back until June.

"I think we have to make a conscious effort to monitor these guys a little better," Torre said.

Anyone want to establish an under/over on how many times I will have to link back to this report over the course of the season?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:37 PM | Comments (2)

Torre Not Very PC

From the Journal News -

Torre has a laptop computer in his office and hopes to learn how to use it. It's not an order from Steinbrenner, either. Torre's 9-year-old daughter, Andrea, thinks he should become more computer literate. Can a MySpace.com page be far behind?

What? Torre's not reading WasWatching.com?

Well, he ain't got no distractions,
Can't hear no buzzers and bells.
Don't see lights a-flashing,
He goes by sense of smell.
Doesn't have any PC skills,
Never reads WasWatching at all,
That deaf, dumb and blind Torre
Still better win a ring this fall.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:37 AM | Comments (2)

The Mindful Farnsworth

From the Courant -

Kyle Farnsworth was big, strong and fit, and he could throw 100 mph. So what was he doing struggling along with a 4.76 ERA after six major league seasons?

Sometime last year, he found some answers in a book called "Mind Gym." It had been in his duffel bag for a while, since a friend had sent it to him, and one day he decided to start reading.

Within its pages, Farnsworth picked up some techniques for creating calm and confidence, for visualizing the results he wanted, and he made it a ritual, reading it during games as he prepared for a late-inning entrance.

"Talent can only take you so far," said Farnsworth, who cashed in on his best season with a three-year, $17 million contract from the Yankees. "If you don't have the right mind-set, you're not clear-minded. You can't go out there with no plan at all."

Hey, Yogi the Jedi Master once said that "90% of the game is half mental."

Go for it Farns. See the ball. Be the ball. Na-na-na-na-na!

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:18 AM | Comments (2)

February 17, 2006

38 Special

This just in! The following teams will not win the 2006 World Series:

Colorado Rockies
Pittsburgh Pirates
Tampa Bay Devil Rays
Kansas City Royals
Florida Marlins
Cincinnati Reds

You heard it here first. OK, this leaves 23 teams in the way of the Yankees 27th ring:

Arizona Diamondbacks
Atlanta Braves
Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red Sox
Chicago Cubs
Chicago White Sox
Cleveland Indians
Detroit Tigers
Houston Astros
LA Angels of Anaheim
Los Angeles Dodgers
Milwaukee Brewers
Minnesota Twins
New York Mets
Oakland Athletics
Philadelphia Phillies
San Diego Padres
San Francisco Giants
Seattle Mariners
St. Louis Cardinals
Texas Rangers
Toronto Blue Jays
Washington Nationals

From this group, there are a half-dozen teams in the A.L. that the Yankees should be concerned about: Red Sox, White Sox, Angels, Blue Jays, Indians and A's.

We know that the Yankees will out-hit the White Sox, Angels and A's. And, hopefully that will offset the fact that those three teams will probably pitch better than the Yankees in 2006.

But, what about the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Indians? All three of these teams have some dangerous bats in their line-up. And, all three of them have some pitchers who can excel.

The fact that Toronto and Boston are in the same division as New York is an issue. That's almost one-quarter of the total schedule for the Yankees to be played against these two teams.

Those are going to be 38 special games for New York this year.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:34 PM | Comments (0)

R.I.P. Shannon Kiernan

From Portsmouth Herald -

Shannon Kiernan was a New York Yankees fan known for making lots of friends after moving to Red Sox territory.

The 28-year-old Winnacunnet High School teacher, who died after a snowboarding accident last weekend, has given the gift of life by donating her organs.

And Kiernan’s friends believe she will continue to win New Englanders over, even in death.

"Her family told me that one of the doctors said the man who got her heart was a huge Red Sox fan," said Heather Clark, a teaching colleague at Winnacunnet. "Shannon was the biggest Yankees fan. I remember one night we went to the (Brewery Lane Tavern) in Portsmouth during the playoffs between the Red Sox and Yankees. She was the only one there dressed in full Yankees gear and cheering them on. I thought we were going to get kicked out of the place."

I hope the Yankees see this story and do something to acknowledge her. It only seems right.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:20 AM | Comments (3)

February 16, 2006

Throws Like Lisa Guerrero

From Yankees.com -

The New York Yankees announced today that they have signed free agent right-handed pitcher Scott Erickson to a one-year Minor-League contract with an invitation to spring training.

Erickson, 38, went 1-4 with a 6.02 ERA in 19 games (eight starts) with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2005 after earning a spot in the rotation during spring training.

I'm guessing that Wade Taylor, Chuck Cary and Jeff Johnson were not available.

This is a joke - and a very bad one at that.

The last time that Erickson had any value as a pitcher was 1999.

For those needing an assist, that was seven years ago. This is embarrassing.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:48 PM | Comments (4)

Uncle Leo!

I hope he doesn't burn his eye-brows off!

From the AP:

New York Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, left, takes batting practice from his uncle and hitting coach, Leo Posada, at the team's spring training facility, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2006, in Tampa, Fla. Leo Posada played for the Kansas City Athletics in the American League from 1960 through 1962.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:27 PM | Comments (0)

Ozzie Guillen: A-Rod is FOS

From NBCSports.com -

Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen called New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez a hypocrite for his waffling on which team he would play for at the World Baseball Classic in early March, Sports Illustrated reported.

"Alex was kissing Latino people's asses," Guillen said in reference to Rodriguez's indecision about whether to play for the Dominican Republic or the United States in the WBC. "He knew he wasn't going to play for the Dominicans; he's not a Dominican!"

"I hate hypocrites: He's full of [expletive]," Guillen told Sports Illustrated. "The Dominican team doesn't need his ass. It's the same with [Nomar] Garciaparra playing for Mexico. Garciaparra only knows Cancun because he went to visit."

Given Ozzie's history, Bud has to fine him for this. It's just not what one of 30 big league managers should be saying in public.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:22 PM | Comments (4)

February 15, 2006

He Makes The Contreras Signing Look Good

From the AP:

Joe Torre settled into the chair in his spring training office and began 2006 the same way he spent most of 2005: discussing an injured pitcher.

Carl Pavano, who missed the second half of last season because of a shoulder injury, has lower back discomfort that will prevent him from throwing off a mound until around March 1. He was to pitch off a mound Wednesday at the minor league complex but instead threw off flat ground for the second time in three days.

New York made the decision after Pavano mentioned the back issue last week, then was sent to examined by back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins, who recommended a 10-to-14 day exercise program. The setback raises the possibility Pavano might not be ready for the start of the regular season on April 3.

"You certainly don't want to get to this point of taking this much care and then decide that just because the season opener is coming that you've got to hurry up and do something," Torre said. "He could very well be ready to start the season, I don't know, but again, we're certainly not going to have that as a necessity."

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman wouldn't detail specifics of the back problem other than to say it wasn't structural.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:16 PM | Comments (16)

Yankees To Be Bucknered Some Time This Year?

Since the Yankees will carry 12 pitchers this season, at least to start, their bench will be just Bubba Crosby, Andy Phillips, Kelly Stinnett, and Miguel Cairo (assuming that Bernie Williams is the DH).

In a perfect world, any time it's late, and a close game, Phillips should go in to play 1B (or maybe Cairo) for Giambi and Crosby should go into RF (for Sheffield).

But, then, if the game is tied, it leaves Torre without two of his better bats and with a bench that's wiped just about clean. So, Joe pretty much has to leave Giambi and Sheffield in the field in the late and close games.

I can't help but wonder if this is going to come back and haunt them at some point this season (ala' Buckner-Stapleton)?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:11 PM | Comments (0)

Say It Ain't Sosa!

From SI:

Other teams, possibly including the Yankees, are watching to see what happens with Sammy Sosa and the Nationals. A Dominican Republic newspaper, reported that Alex Rodriguez visited Sosa in Miami last weekend. It's unclear whether Rodriguez was being social or doing legwork for Yankees GM Brian Cashman, who could use Sosa as part of a DH platoon with switch-hitter Bernie Williams. -- Chicago Tribune

I liked Alex better when he was hanging out in poker joints. Sosa is cooked. Stay away. Please!

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:19 PM | Comments (3)

Pavano News

From the YES Network -

It's 10 a.m. and Carl Pavano is playing long toss with Jaret Wright at the Yankees' minor league complex in Tampa, where Bubba Crosby and Robinson Canó are also working out.

Already, speculation about Pavano's health is in question, as the right-hander will reportedly not throw off a mound today as scheduled. Bullpen coach Joe Kerrigan is watching closely while Tampa-based pitching coach Billy Connors is also keeping a close eye from his golf cart. Pavano does look significantly slimmer and in good shape, but only time will tell if his shoulder is healthy.

Pavano threw for 20 minutes, while Wright lasted just 10 before being replaced by Kerrigan. Upon completion of Pavano's session, he dodged the media and gave way to Tanyon Sturtze, who started throwing with Kerrigan.

I'll have more later from Joe Torre. He'll be addressing the media after meeting with his coaching staff at noon.

Why am I beginning to think that Al Leiter is going to be in the Yankees rotation this April?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:33 PM | Comments (4)

February 14, 2006

Don't Sit Under The Mango Tree With Anyone Else But Me

The Mets signed Jose Lima. It's really too bad that Joaquin Andujar retired. As a Yankees fan, I would have loved to see Joaquin, Lima and Pedro front the Mets rotation.

Not a bad trade for Omar - dumping Anna Benson for Mrs. Lima.

All of a sudden, the thought of Pavano and/or Wright is looking sweeter.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:23 PM | Comments (3)

Local Boys Make Good

I was just looking at the USA Team for the WBC and noticing the places of birth for each player.

It's funny, in my mind, Jeter is a Kalamazoo guy and A-Rod is a Miami dude. But, technically, I believe that Derek and Alex are the first full-time SS/3B combo for the Yankees where both players were born in the Tri-State Area.

There must have been some good water in the system back in the mid-70's.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:29 PM | Comments (2)

Good For Cashman

From Tommy V at S.I. -

The White Sox nearly wound up with Carlos Delgado instead of Jim Thome. When Cashman inquired about Chicago center fielder Aaron Rowand soon after the World Series, White Sox GM Kenny Williams told him he didn't think the Yankees were a good fit for a trade -- unless they obtained Delgado from Florida. Cashman worked out the parameters of a deal with the Marlins, but the three-way deal fell through when the White Sox then insisted the Yankees pick up a large chunk of Delgado's contract.

Hey, it's one thing to agree to pick up the bar of soap. But, it's a whole 'nother thing to agree to, well, you know.......

At least Cashman tried to get Rowand. But, then, to pay a guy to play for the White Sox too? If the Windy City is a big enough market to support two teams, then there's no way they should be asking for Yankees hand-outs too.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:30 PM | Comments (0)

Who's Driving?

From the Star Ledger:

"Contract-wise, it looks like we'll carry 12 pitchers," manager Joe Torre said last week. "It looks like our club is cut-and-dried on who's going to be members of our team. But we have a lot of pitchers that could be in the same role. And that's what we'll try to organize in the spring."

The projected pitching staff has the six starters plus relievers Mariano Rivera, Kyle Farnsworth, Mike Myers, Ron Villone, Tanyon Sturtze and Aaron Small. Then there are the eight position players, Bernie Williams, Andy Phillips, Kelly Stinnett, Miguel Cairo and Bubba Crosby.

All that's left are the details. Torre last month told hitting coach Don Mattingly, "Give me a lineup."

Said Mattingly, "I can't."

Responded Torre: "That's the way I am, too."

OK, so, it will be contracts that dictate who makes the pitching staff - and not talent/performance. And, the manager has no clue as to what his line-up should be......

I think I need to start hitting some of that green tea.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:50 AM | Comments (7)

February 13, 2006

Every Breath You Take

From Newsday -

"I'm going to be very active in spring training," the Yankees' principal owner said through his industrious spokesman, Howard Rubenstein. "I go to work every single day. I'll be in the locker room. I'll be on the field. I'll be very active."

Every breath you take
And every move you make
Every bond you break, every step you take
Stein'll be watching you

Every single day
And every word you say
Every game you play, every night you stay
Stein'll be watching you

Oh, can’t you see
You belong to me?
How my poor heart aches
With every step you take
Every move you make
Every vow you break
Every smile you fake, every claim you stake
Stein'll be watching you

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:56 AM | Comments (3)

Luis Garcia

From the Daily News:

Luis Garcia of Mexico, a first baseman who played for two months in the Mets system last year, intends to sign a minor-league contract with the Yankees, according to a Mexican baseball official quoted on ESPNdeportes.com.

Garcia batted .219 with nine homers and 24 RBI in 41 games for Triple-A Norfolk last year and then returned to Mexico and hit .273 with five homers and 28 RBI in 38 games for Sultanes de Monterrey.

He's 27. Bats right-handed. Has some power. Andy Phillips insurance?

He's been around. The Red Sox, Indians, Dodgers and Mets have all taken him for a ride so far and let him go.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:16 AM | Comments (2)

Day 300

Today is the 300th day that there's been a WasWatching.com.

Where did the time go?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:20 AM | Comments (8)

February 12, 2006

Tris Speaker - The Rough-and-Tumble Life of a Baseball Legend

FYI, you might enjoy the review of Tris Speaker - The Rough-and-Tumble Life of a Baseball Legend that I just did for NetShrine.com. Click here to read it.

I can't help but wonder how Speaker's legacy would have been different if he had ever played with and/or managed the Yankees.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:21 PM | Comments (0)

Will The Real Carl Pavano Please Stand Up

From Newsday today:

With Randy Johnson and Mike Mussina locks to start, Chien-Ming Wang, Shawn Chacon, Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright are left to compete for the final three spots.

"We'll treat them all like starters when we start spring training," Torre said.

Pavano is the biggest mystery of them all, considering he is coming off an injury-plagued debut season in pinstripes after signing a four-year, $39.95-million contract.

Although the Yankees weren't able to find anything wrong with his shoulder to explain his problems, Pavano constantly complained of discomfort, became fatigued earlier than usual in his starts and produced radar readings that were down from previous years.

Pavano, who was shut down for the season in August, has been throwing regularly in Tampa, Torre said, but hasn't pitched from a mound yet.

"All of the reports point to the fact that he's fine, and he's been throwing," Torre said. "Hopefully, it stays that way."

From the Daily News, also today:

Yankees pitcher Carl Pavano visited a California back specialist last week after feeling lower back stiffness during a throwing session. But Pavano, whose first season in pinstripes was shortened by injury, received a clean bill of health and was cleared to throw when camp starts this week.

According to General Manager Brian Cashman, Pavano felt twinges after throwing on flat ground about two weeks ago at the Yankees' minor-league complex in Tampa. For their own peace of mind, as well as Pavano's, the Yankees sent the righty to the back doctor they regularly use, Dr.Robert Watkins of Los Angeles.

"This is a very low-level thing," Cashman said in a telephone interview yesterday. "We just wanted to make certain we were fine on it. We just sent him so when he gets to spring training, he hits the ground running and there's nothing to stop him. This was just precautionary.

"If he feels anything more, obviously we'll back off," Cashman added.

Clueless Joe, indeed.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:07 PM | Comments (5)

Today's Funny

From Newsday:

Because Mike Myers is strictly a lefthanded specialist, the Yankees plan to go with a seven-man bullpen. Now it's just a matter of defining everyone's roles.

The biggest question is finding Tom Gordon's replacement as Mariano Rivera's setup man. Torre said he plans to use a committee consisting of righthanders Kyle Farnsworth, Tanyon Sturtze and Octavio Dotel, when he's healthy.

"The one thing we want to do is not rely on the one guy, only because you don't want to overuse somebody," Torre said. "If you have a couple of guys who can do the job and have them understand what we're going do, I think we can keep everybody strong."

Did I just read that Torre says he's concerned with overusing a pitcher in the pen? Nah, it's gotta be the cold medicine playing tricks with my mind.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:04 PM | Comments (2)

Darrell Rasner

From the Daily News:

The Yankees claimed righty Darrell Rasner off waivers from the Washington Nationals yesterday and dumped righty reliever Jason Anderson to make room on their 40-man roster.

Rasner, 25, was 6-7 with a 3.59 ERA in 27 games (26 starts) last year for Washington's Double-A team. He was 0-1 with a 3.68 ERA in five outings, including one start, after being promoted to the Nationals.

According to John Sickels, Rasner throws a power sinker in the low 90's. And, he could be considered a "surprise." He could be a factor on the 2006 Yankees.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:00 PM | Comments (1)

February 11, 2006

Beating The NY/NJ/CT Weather Tonight

If the snow (etc.) in the Tri-State area starts to get you down tonight, just remember that next week we can start to see these (below) in some action - for the first time since last October.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:20 PM | Comments (0)

Minor Wars - In The Name Of Good Fun

From the Lowell Sun:

How deep do passions runs between Yankee and Red Sox fans?

The Lowell Spinners are finding out, after launching an anti-Yankees promotion this week.

And the Staten Island Yankees -- in the same New York-Penn League as the Spinners -- are retaliating in kind, using the heft of history and recycled Sox.

Bawmann says he called Gary Perone, assistant general manager of the Staten Island team before the promotion's launch, and Perone got a kick out of it.

"This really is all in fun," added Bawmann. "We're like a big fraternity."

And the hazing goes both ways.

"We are planning to retaliate to some extent, in a fun way, as we know how to do well," says Perone, reached at his Staten Island office yesterday. He said the team will formally announce its plans early next week.

"Anybody who shows up in a Red Sox hat or T-shirt and throws it in the bin will get free tickets to the game," said Perone. He has also put out feelers for throwing out the first pitch to former Red Sox pitchers who went on to victory with the Yankees, including Mike Torrez, who served up the infamous home run to Bucky Dent in the 1978 playoff game.

And Perone is plotting pregame "salutes to Johnny Damon and Babe Ruth."

Why stop there? Why not put a Porta-John on the warning track in LF (at the park on S.I.) and then have kids wearing Manny wigs have a race from 2B to the pottie (say, in between the top and bottom of the 5th) - first one to squat on it gets a prize.

Or, how about, every time the S.I. Yankees beat the Spinners, at Staten Island, they take the ball from the final out and they mail it to Doug Mientkiewicz (c/o the K.C. Royals)?

Or, maybe the G.M. of the S.I. Yankees can quit before the start of every game, and they pick some fan in the stands to be the new G.M., and then at the end of the game the former-G.M. can say he wants his job back and then they "demote" his replacement back to "fan"?

They should call me - I can come up with an idea for this every two minutes. There's so much material.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:28 AM | Comments (1)

February 10, 2006

Chacon Settles

From Fox/the AP -

Pitcher Shawn Chacon and the New York Yankees agreed Friday to a $3.6 million, one-year contract and avoided a salary arbitration hearing scheduled for next week.

The 28-year-old right-hander was acquired by New York from Colorado on July 28 and went 7-3 with a 2.85 ERA in 12 starts and two relief appearances. It was a startling turnaround for the former All-Star, who was 1-7 with a 4.09 ERA for the Rockies.

In addition to his salary, Chacon can earn $100,000 in performance bonuses: $25,000 each for 180, 190, 200 and 210 innings.

Three-point-six mill. Did I call it? Or, did I call it!

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 07:55 PM | Comments (4)

Jeter's Role In Through the Fire

From the NBA.com:

Sebastian Telfair may only be 20 years old, but already he's an NBA player. Now, he's about to become a movie star.

The Portland Trail Blazers second-year guard is the subject of the Jonathan Hock documentary opening Friday, Through the Fire, which tracks the Coney Island product's evolution from high school phenom to NBA lottery pick.

The Players

Sebastian Telfair – Prep phenom contemplates making the jump to the NBA directly out of high school. Currently a second-year point guard for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter – Internationally renowned hip-hip artist, clothing mogul (Rocawear) and Sebastian's friend; he comes to games and makes an inspirational appearance in Lincoln's locker room before the championship game.

......

Derek Jeter – Famous short stop for the New York Yankees and a regular sideline fixture at Sebastian’s games.

Spike Lee – A die-hard New York Knicks’ fan and a regular sideline fixture at Sebastian’s games.

Jay-Z, Derek, and Spike. Which one of these things doesn't belong with the others?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:40 AM | Comments (2)

February 09, 2006

Little Mr. Independents

Josh Hollingsworth
Vince Faison
Gerardo Casadiego
Chris Grossman

And, now, Ivan Hernandez:

The 2005 Northern League Champion Gary SouthShore RailCats Professional Baseball Club announced today that the contract of pitcher Ivan Hernandez has been sold to the New York Yankees. Hernandez will attend spring training with the Yankees in March.

Hernandez, 24, enjoyed an outstanding season in 2005 with Winnipeg, finishing second to former RailCat Quintin Oldenburg for the league's "Rookie Pitcher of the Year" award. Hernandez appeared in 43 games working strictly out of the bullpen, posting a 5-3 record with a 1.99 earned run average and two saves. He limited opposing batters to a .206 combined batting average. Hernandez struck out 54 batters in 54.1 innings while walking 24. Hernandez played college baseball at Chico State (Calif.) University.

What's with all these guys from the Independent Leagues?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:53 PM | Comments (6)

Now Pitching For The Yankees, Godzilla

From TCMnet.com -

New York Yankees outfielder Hideki Matsui called on more Japanese tourists to visit the United States, and in particular his club's home stadium, in a ceremony Thursday at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo.

Matsui, who was appointed as a tourism goodwill ambassador by New York City in 2004, recommended that Japanese visit such major tourist spots in the city as Central Park and said in Japanese, "Above all, Yankee Stadium."

Hideki, dude, you forgot to tell them to read WasWatching.com too!

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:02 PM | Comments (3)

February 08, 2006

Level Setting Johnny Damon

I was just looking at Johnny Damon's numbers over the last 4 years, and considering the park factors of Fenway vs. Yankees Stadium, and came up with what I believe people should expect from him (this year) as a Yankee:

Games: 149
At Bats: 615
Runs: 114
Hits: 177
Batting Avg: .288
On Base Avg: .350
RBI: 72
Doubles: 33
Triples: 7
Homeruns: 14
Steals: 25

To expect anything more from him is unfair (based on his past output). And, if he should do less than this, his season would have to be considered a disappointment.

In about 8 months, we'll be able to see how the actual results match up to this forecast.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:46 PM | Comments (3)

Reeks Of Lucchino

From CBS Broadcasting Inc -

The Lowell Spinners, the Red Sox minor league affiliate, are trying to eliminate the "Yankees" name from all youth baseball leagues in New England.

Instead of "Yankees", they want the teams to be named the "Spinners".

The team estimated that nearly half of the youth baseball leagues in the region include a team named the "Yankees," and they've already begun contacting organizations in an attempt to convince them to adopt the name change.

"When you are a kid playing baseball it is pure fun and worrying about what team you are on should be the least of your concerns," Spinners general manager Tim Bawmann said in a press release. "It becomes an issue where kids are devastated when they find out they are on the Yankees. Many kids actually pray they will not be on the Yankees when the rosters and teams are announced."

If a league agrees to eliminate their Yankee teams and replace them with the Spinners, the team said it will pay the cost of replacing the uniforms and allow those squads to play at the minor league club's home field this summer.

Hey, instead of "Spinners" why not "Schlemiels"?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:49 PM | Comments (4)

Sheff In '07?

Via Bob Nightengale -

Yankees right fielder Gary Sheffield, who was planning on retiring after this season, says he has reconsidered and expects to play after his contract expires. The Yankees have a $13 million club option for 2007.

Maybe Yankees fans will get to see Gary's 500th? Here's a thought: If Sheffield plays 4 years in New York, and makes Cooperstown, does he go in as a Yankee? A case could be made for the Yankees cap - considering how often he's moved around.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:24 PM | Comments (2)

Gator Speak

From the USA Today:

So maybe Guidry wasn't the Yankees' first choice. That was Mazzone. Maybe Guidry wasn't their second choice. That was Don Cooper, who stayed with the White Sox. Maybe Guidry wasn't even third in line before Dave Righetti decided to remain with the Giants.

Guidry doesn't care. Besides, when owner George Steinbrenner starts screaming, Guidry can always look at his plaque in Monument Park to make himself feel better.

"Having to pitch your whole career in New York and be successful, that has to amount to something, doesn't it?" said Guidry, 55, a three-time 20-game winner and the 1978 AL Cy Young Award winner for the Yankees.

This raises a good question. How many pitchers have pitched their whole career for just Big Stein and been good?
It's just Gator and Mo. That's some select list.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:19 PM | Comments (0)

The Buzz Before P&C

Lots of Yankees news via SI.com -

Yankees manager Joe Torre said he would use six pitchers -- Randy Johnson, Mike Mussina, Shawn Chacon, Chien-Ming Wang, Carl Pavano and Jaret Wright -- as starters this spring, making the rotation a source of intrigue in camp. He said the Yankees would carry 12 pitchers, with Octavio Dotel expected to begin on the disabled list. -- New York Times

It appears pitcher Shawn Chacon and the Yankees won't be able to agree on a deal, and the matter will go to arbitration. The Yanks have offered $3.1 million while Chacon is seeking $4.15 million. The arbitration hearing is scheduled for Monday. -- New York Daily News

Joe Torre called it "sort of a problem" that Johnny Damon will play for the United States in the World Baseball Classic since the new $52 million Yankee center fielder won't be able to "mix the whole spring." -- New York Daily News

On the 6-man rotation, it smells of showcase. Look for Wright or Pavano to be traded if no one is hurt.

What a shame that they could not work out a deal with Chacon. That could be one ugly hearing if the Yankees use the right data.

Lastly, Joe should ask Damon, on the side, to beg out of the WBC - if he really feels this way. Otherwise, since A-Rod is going (to play SS of all things!) and Jeter is going, then he should not single out Damon.

Related, if A-Rod gets hurt playing SS in the WBC (say, on a DP take-out slide) then it's going to be another thing thrown at him. Why he's agreed to do this, I don't know. Well, I could imagine. But, it just turns me off.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 01:22 PM | Comments (3)

Bernie The Swing Man

From Newsday:

Torre said that Bernie Williams would get some time at leftfield and rightfield during spring training ...

Some? If he gets less than 14 appearances in LF during the Spring, I would be disappointed. He needs to show that he can back-up in the OF at least to the level that Sierra did in recent years. Given the number of pitchers that the Yankees will carry, they cannot afford a guy on the bench who only hits and does not play the field.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:49 AM | Comments (4)

February 07, 2006

Predicting The Yankees 2006 Win Total

I just noticed that "SG" over at Replacement Level Yankees Weblog has the Yankees pegged to get 85 wins this season. Yikes.

So, I decided to take a stab at this myself - albeit much less scientific.

Over the last 4 seasons, the guys in the Yankees pen have been good for registering 15-25 wins per year. So, I'll take the average and say that the Yankees pen will net 20 wins (combined) in 2006. How about the rotation?

Well, based on what I've said recently, I would say that Johnson is good (at best) for 16 wins. And, I've predicted that Mussina is probably only good for 13 wins this year. If Pavano is sound, he too should be around a 13-game winner.

This leaves Wang and Chacon. Let's be kind and assume that Wang avoids a long trip on the D.L. and that Chacon is better than some predict. And, somehow, between the two of them, they win a combined 25 games.

So, what do we have?

20+16+13+13+25=87.

That's pretty close to 85. But, I'll throw in three extra wins to round out my number, and bump it up to 90 wins (in 2006) - as of now - for a Yankees prediction.

Considering that it takes about 95 wins to take the A.L. East, that puts the Yankees short of their immediate goal this year.

Not good.

Pavano and Mussina need to step up or Sturtze, Small, Wright and Dotel need to take the Yankees pen to a level higher than what's been usual (and help New York get closer to 30 wins from the non-starters).

Otherwise, it's going to be a disappointing year in the Bronx.

Pitching. You can't live without it and it can kill you.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:56 PM | Comments (8)

The New Mr. Stay-Puft?

Looking at a photo today of Jason Giambi on mlb.com forced this compare in my mind:

Is it just me or does Jason look like he's been hitting the In-N-Out Burgers again?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:59 PM | Comments (5)

PECOTA On Bernie

Via Steve Goldman's Pinstriped Bible:

Over at Baseball Prospectus, the PECOTA cards are up ahead of this year's book, with all kinds of projection extras. A few interesting predictions from baseball's great prognosticating program, modeled on "Landru" from the old Star Trek episode "Return of the Archons": Bernie Williams' weighted mean projection: .261/.336/.384. There is no mathematical system known to man in which those numbers suggest a starting designated hitter.

An OPS of .720. That is at least 50 to 100 points below acceptable for a DH these days.

I'm really starting to hope that Bernie bombs this Spring and we nip this in the bud.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 03:37 PM | Comments (6)

Verducci: Wang To Have Breakout Year

From Tommy V:

Chien-Ming Wang, 26, Yankees

The cool right-hander is a strike- and groundball-throwing machine, getting through his average inning as an AL rookie with only 13.7 pitches. Pitching for a team loaded with offense, Wang is a near lock to win 15 games -- but only if he stays healthy, which is still a concern among the New York executives.

OK, Games Started (GS) for The Wanger since 2003:

2003 - 21 GS
2004 - 23 GS
2005 - 23 GS

I'm starting to see why they are concerned.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 02:58 PM | Comments (0)

The Jeff DaVanon Train Has Left The Station

From FOXSports.com -

The Diamondbacks, adding depth to their outfield, are close to signing Jeff DaVanon to a one-year, $525,000 contract with a player option for 2007, FOXSports.com has learned.

A number of teams had expressed interest in DaVanon, including the Red Sox and Indians before the completion of the Coco Crisp trade. The Mets, Yankees and Padres were among the other clubs that had pursued the outfielder.

I wonder why the Yankees gave up on this chase? DaVanon would have been great "Bernie Insurance" and (at worst) a good 4th or 5th OF on the team.

It couldn't have been the price, could it?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:19 PM | Comments (1)

February 06, 2006

Moose Road Kill

From TSN:

No one enjoys playing in Yankee Stadium quite as much as Mussina. Over the past two seasons, he has gone 15-7 with a 3.72 ERA and 1.21 WHIP at home. Get him away from the Bronx, and Mussina had a .500 record with a 5.29 ERA and 1.49 WHIP.

Hey, who was that starter for the Yankees in Game 5 of the ALDS last year, on the road? You know, the guy they left out there so that he could make that road start? How did he do in that game anyway?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:54 PM | Comments (6)

Gerardo Casadiego Is In The House!

From oursportscentral.com -

The Pelicans announced today that former Pelicans pitcher Gerardo Casadiego recently signed a contract with the New York Yankees and will be sent to their double-A team, the Trenton Thunder.

In 2005, his role changed to being one of the Pelicans' top starting pitchers. His highlight game came in his third start, a win over the Fort Worth Cats on May 20, 2005. He pitched eight strong innings, allowed only two runs on three hits while striking out 11 batters and walking none.

"Gerardo is a good competitive pitcher who will always give 100 percent," said Pelicans General Manager George Stavrenos. "He showed signs of dominance at this level and I expect he will contribute for Trenton."

Originally signed by the Montreal Expos in 1998, Casadiego spent the next six and a half seasons in an Expo uniform advancing to their double-A team in Harrisburg, VA from 2002 to part of the 2004 season.

Man, I hope he makes it before Bob Sheppard retires.

Hey, he's still just 25. He's not a big guy for a RHP. But, if he gets some control he could be someone who might help in the pen in a few years. Shoot, it's Trenton that we're talking about here. Why not take a flier?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:32 PM | Comments (3)

Roger Clemens Interest

I know that many want the Yankees to sign Roger Clemens for 2006. Two things concern me about Clemens as an AL pitcher this season:

1. He'll be 43 in 2006. In the days of the DH, Phil Niekro is the only pitcher in AL history to win 16 games at that age - and he threw a freak pitch. Most men, that age, in the AL, at that time, won maybe 12 or 13 games - like the 13 that Clemens won last year.

2. From July to October last year, Clemems averaged 6 IP per start. But, he feasted on pitchers in the NL to get those 6 per start.

On the past season, Clemens faced # 9 hitters 74 times last year and retired them in 64 of those 74 PA. That's like three free shutouts being added to your resume. In the AL, Roger will not face auto-outs once every 9 batters.

So, in the AL this season, Clemens will probably be closer to a 5-inning pitcher.

Considering the price that Clemens will command, is it worth it for a 5-inning pitcher who will probably only win 13 games? Even Carl Pavano should be good for that - where's the upgrade?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:11 PM | Comments (6)

Damon Wannabes Make A Splash

From the Portsmouth Herald News:

About 700 people ran into the chilly Atlantic Ocean Sunday afternoon at the seventh annual Penguin Plunge.

Many of the participants dressed up for the event. To celebrate this tradition, the Penguin Plunge kicked off with a costume contest in front of the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom. There were a number of Super Bowl-related outfits, but the costumes that garnered the biggest reaction from the crowd were the Johnny Damons, dressed in full Yankees gear and chin-length beards.

Man, Damon is like Savwafair - he's everywhere!

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:54 PM | Comments (1)

Sheff & Busta

From Commonvoice.com:

A bodyguard for popular Hip Hop artist Busta Rhymes was shot and killed during a video shoot at a warehouse in New York City. Police say they are looking for a man who gunned down the guard at the video shoot in Brooklyn, according to WCBS News.

The music video features recording artists Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blidge and Sean "Diddy" Combs, along with New York Yankees outfielder, Gary Sheffield.

I like Sheff. He plays intense, he plays hurt, and he plays well. But, when I hear news like this, I want to say: "Hey, Sheff - two words: Lyman Bostock. Be carfeful of who you run with, huh?"

Geez, what did ballplayers do in the spare time before MTV?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:25 AM | Comments (0)

Unit - More Than 16 Wins in 2006 A Miracle?

Via the Sabermetric Baseball Encyclopedia, I was just looking at all A.L. Pitchers, since the DH Rule, age 42 or older - to see who had the best season ever:

When I look at this list, I think the expectation for the Big Unit should be 16 wins this season - and if anything higher happens it would be something special, indeed.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:49 AM | Comments (7)

February 05, 2006

Hanley Hearts Derek

From MLB.com:

Considered one of the best prospects in the Boston organization, Hanley Ramírez was traded to the Marlins during the offseason. The young infielder is part of the Dominican roster playing in the 2006 Caribbean Series.

"I just want to play with a team who will allow me to be in the lineup so I can show what I am able to do in the field," he said.

Ramirez wears jersey No. 24 in the in the Caribbean Series in honor of Manny Ramírez. Countryman Miguel Cabrera wears the number for the Marlins so Ramirez will sport jersey No. 2 in honor of Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, one of his favorite players.

Too bad Hanley didn't stay with the Red Sox. It would have been great to someday hear him say that Jeter was his fav while being a member of Lucchino's Losers.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:54 PM | Comments (0)

From Cash's Lips

I was just reading about David Pinto's trip to the UConn Baseball Banquet, and the following items caught my eye:

The two {Brian Cashman and Ben Cherington} were asked about big versus small markets. Cashman pointed out that have resources allows a team to have many more choices in putting a team together, but it also gives you more chances to make a mistake.

That's a fair point, I suppose - the more times that you can go to the market, the greater the chance that you end up with a lemon. However, part of me wants to say that "if you're smart," you can still avoid the lemons (even if you shop a lot).

Cashman was asked about how he manages to work with Steinbrenner, and he gave what I thought was a very interesting answer. The people who came before him all had resumes. Each one came into the job with the idea that things would be different for them. Cashman never worked for another organization. He has not point of comparison with Steinbrenner, so he didn't have expectations that things would be different.

That's another fair point, I suppose (again). But, I've never won the lotto in my life - and have pretty much always known the displeasure of having to hustle to pay my bills. This doesn't mean that I do not have the expectations of what it would be like to someday not to have to worry about money matters. Therefore, part of me (again) wants to say this "take" on the matter is somewhat just a way to dodge the question to an extent.

If he keeps it up, pretty soon Brian might have to change his last name to "Teflon-man" (from Cashman).

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:28 PM | Comments (0)

Oh, Andy,...........

From Newsday:

The only mystery surrounding Roger Clemens' return now seems to be which team he'll return to. The Yankees are - no surprise - very interested.

Yankees people think it will be a two-team derby between them and the Astros for Clemens. The Yankees actually view Houston as a slight favorite for Clemens, even though he'd have to sit out until May 1 to re-sign with the Astros. So the Yankees have their eye on Clemens' little buddy Andy Pettitte as a backup plan.

They see Pettitte's ridiculously backloaded contract ($17.5 million in '06) as a potential impetus for a midseason trade should Houston fall out of the race.

Mid-season? Nah. Pavano for Pettitte, right now. Why wait for tomorrow what you can do today?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 08:46 AM | Comments (4)

February 04, 2006

What's Cash Smoking?

From the Courant:

"Our average age is going to be significantly younger," said Cashman, whose No.1 offseason score was the signing of Johnny Damon away from the Red Sox. "I don't want to get weaker just to get younger, but when you're talking about age you're usually talking about athleticism."

OK, Damon for Sierra and The Farns for Gordon. But, other than that, where did the Yankees get younger? At back-up catcher? At back-up 1B? Am I missing something here?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:16 AM | Comments (3)

February 03, 2006

The Jeter Meter

Some spin from S.I. on Jeter with the mitt:

The Jeter Debate

"If someone came up to me and said, 'You have 60 seconds to tell me why Derek Jeter's not a good defensive shortstop,'" began baseball analyst David Cameron of U.S.S. Mariner, "I'd probably say something like, 'We've made all kinds of terrific inroads in defensive analysis in the past few years ... and, when it comes down to it, Jeter turns fewer balls hit into his area into outs than other shortstops, and really, that's what matters.

I'm still sticking to my case:

As a Yankees fan, at no point in time, over the last several seasons, has a ball been hit to Jeter at SS where I thought "Oh, no, why did you hit it to him?" - - the way one would think when balls were hit to the Jose Offerman or Wil Cordero types (when they were trying to play SS).

In fact, when a grounder is hit to Jeter, within normal range, my gut reaction and expectation is "that's an out." I have no fear whatsoever on a groundball to Jeter.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 05:32 PM | Comments (2)

Bubba The Beauty

From The Post:

"It really wasn't something I had to weigh. It seemed like it was a pretty easy decision."

Bubba Crosby on spending extra time at telethon.

This past Sunday in Albany, Bubba Crosby was helping out at a telethon for the Center for Disability Services. After signing autographs for several hours, the Yankee outfielder was supposed to fly to Newark, where he had a connecting flight back home to Houston.

But when he got to the airport, Crosby found that weather was holding up his flight to Newark. And at that point, since flying home that night wasn't going to happen, Crosby — who had already given more to the telethon that day than was required of him — opted to give even more than that.

Crosby headed back to the telethon, just to help out further.

Crosby said he had enjoyed his time there so much and believed it was such a worthy cause, it was a no-brainer.

"It really wasn't something I had to weigh," Crosby said in a phone interview this week. "It seemed like it was a pretty easy decision."

Good heart. No wonder Torre likes him.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 12:22 PM | Comments (3)

Phil Rizzuto Collection For Sale

From The Post:

Phil Rizzuto sat at a corner table yesterday morning at Mickey Mantle's Restaurant and, for a while it was paradise at the dashboard light again for anyone who had ever watched him play or listen to him broadcast a Yankee game.

He was in town to promote the Phil Rizzuto Collection, his personal memorabilia that will be auctioned off this summer by Geppi's Memorabilia Road Show (www.gmrs.com). Included in the stunning 1,000-lot collection are such keepsakes as his 1950 uniform and cap with a 56-year-old piece of gum still stuck on top, World Series rings, a Yogi Berra mitt, a 1956 Mickey Mantle Christmas card to Phil and the platinum record for the Meat Loaf classic "Paradise By The Dashboard Light."

Phil and Cora, who have been married for 62 years, will be leaving their New Jersey home, the same home they raised their four children in and move to upstate New York to live with their daughter Penny and her family.

Why do I fear (reading this) that we're going to see black arm bands on the Yankees unis some time this season?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:08 AM | Comments (9)

February 02, 2006

Westminster Quarters

I miss them playing those at the Stadium. Why did they ever stop?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:09 PM | Comments (3)

Yankees To Win World Series This Year!

The Curse of Enrique Wilson is over!

From the Courant:

The Red Sox haven't been able to grant his trade request, but Manny Ramirez should feel comfortable if he's still with the team in spring training later this month.

After signing one old teammate from Ramirez's days in Cleveland (reliever Julian Tavarez), the team has invited infielder Enrique Wilson to spring training as a non-roster player. Wilson, another former teammate in Cleveland, is a close friend of Ramirez's.

In 2003, Ramirez was embroiled in a controversy when he missed a series against the Yankees because of was not feeling well. But he was spotted socializing with Wilson at a hotel bar after the second game of the series.

A Sports Illustrated story in 2004 quoted Ramirez saying, "Enrique, man, you know, Enrique is my brother, man. You're my brother, you're my brother no matter what, no matter if you play for the Yankees or whoever."

The cycle has been completed!

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:24 AM | Comments (0)

February 01, 2006

2002: What A Waste

It's always about pitching, right? I was just playing around with the Sabermetric Baseball Encyclopedia, looking at the Yankees pitching under Torre:

That 2002 Yankees pitching staff was very good. What the heck happened in the ALDS that year?

Then again, the 2002 Angels pitched like the 1998 Yankees. So, maybe it makes sense.

Any guesses where the 2006 Yankees will rank compared to the teams in this chart? If they end up below 7th place, it's not going to be a nice post-season this year either.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 10:25 PM | Comments (6)

Tick, Tick, Tick.........

At the strike of midnight tonight, there are just 60 days left until Opening Day.

Let the countdown begin.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 04:53 PM | Comments (1)

You Can't Make This Stuff Up

From AHN:

A top executive at Morgan Stanley tried to use his company’s connections to become a New York Yankees honorary batboy. Guy Chiarello wanted to celebrate his 20th anniversary with Morgan Stanley at Yankee Stadium. To achieve his goals, he sent a number of e-mails to Robert Nederlander Jr., whose father is a part-owner of the Yankees.

Chiarello, the investment bank's chief technology officer, suggested that many of his 1,500 employees would buy tickets or contribute to a charitable donation on behalf of the team. He also said he would not mind being part of the grounds crew working to the strains of YMCA.

Nederlander turned the request down, calling it a "crazy request from a guy I never heard of." At the time, Morgan Stanley was considering Nederlander's application for funding to open a string of theaters in China.

While the Morgan Stanley handbook bars employees from "use the firm's premises, assets, information or influence for personal gain," a spokeswoman told the Post there was no evidence of Chiarello having done anything that warranted disciplinary action.

Why is it every time that I see Nederlander, in my head it comes out Neidermeyer?

Anyway, maybe the guy can be Cotton-Eyed Joe for a day instead?

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:56 AM | Comments (1)

Cano A No-Go For WBC

From the AP:

New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano won’t play in the World Baseball Classic, according to published reports.

Cano, who was on the Dominican Republic’s provisional roster, wants to focus on preparing for the major league season.

“I want to win a World Series, so I’m going down to spring training and get ready for the season,” Cano told reporters Tuesday night at a ceremony in Manhattan where he received the Thurman Munson Award for charity work.

Attaboy!

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 11:53 AM | Comments (1)

In George We Trust

In George We Trust is a new Yankees blog worth checking out, FYI.

Posted by Steve Lombardi at 09:22 AM | Comments (1)